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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Sweet Faces of Celiac Disease: Meet Steven

Steven is 7 yrs. old and was diagnosed with celiac disease at 3 yrs. old.

What symptoms were you or your child having before being diagnosed?

He was tired all the time with very little energy for several months. He also didn't grow at all between ages 2 and 3, and we thought something seemed wrong. His pediatrician agreed and started testing him for all kinds of things.

Any other family members diagnosed with celiac disease?

No.

How has your life or your child's life changed since being diagnosed?

It was a really difficult adjustment for us to change our busy lifestyle. Luckily his preschool and our babysitters were helpful in supporting us as we waded through that first year. Its gotten easier over the years as he's gotten older and there are more products and awareness out there.

Being that 83% of those with celiac disease are UNDIAGNOSED, what are some ways we can encourage more awareness of the disease and its multiple symptoms?

I think that doctors should screen for it when taking medical histories, and test people regularly if they report any digestive issues because it has so many long-term impacts on people if undiagnosed.

Thanks Mom for sharing Steven's story. It looks like he's a monkey just like Jack - Jack LOVES climbing too! I'm happy to hear Steven's pediatrician was concerned and was willing to find out the problem. This is what I want to see all time with pediatricians - I don't want parents and children to jump through hoops with pediatricians that don't think to test for celiac disease. Keep climbing Steven!